GREENSBURG (KDKA) — The man charged with killing his wife who was reported missing last week denied any involvement with her murder.

Trina Orlando: “Mr. Stahl, would you like to say anything?”

David Stahl: “No, ma’am.”

Trina Orlando: “Are you sorry about what you did?”

David Stahl: “I didn’t do anything.”

Becky Stahl, 37, a math teacher at Derry Middle School, was found strangled to death under a blanket at an old nursery.

Police were led to scene after discovering unusual traces of shrubbery on Dave Stahl’s shoes that would only be found in that type of place.

“To me it was like finding a needle in a stack of needles and that’s how fortunate we were,” State Police Trooper Steve Limani said.

“It really fell on the hard work and determination by the investigators – by the criminal investigators at the Greensburg barracks developing that physical evidence, our people that went out and gathered the evidence,” Limani added. “They were able to focus in on this particular rare leafy substance.”

Becky Stahl’s clothing and ID’s were found burned inside the home.

Police say Dave Stahl, who is charged with criminal homicide, had scratches on his hands and face and did not seem concerned about his wife’s disappearance.

“He bore some injuries on his hands and face that would certainly be consistent with a physical altercation between him and his wife,” Westmoreland County District Attorney John Peck.

He denies involvement with her death, but admits the two were arguing via text while he was drinking at a local bar.

Becky Stahl’s family released a statement in wake of the charges against David Stahl.

“We would like to thank the Pennsylvania State Police and the fine job they did in the investigation and the recovery of Rebecca’s body. If they do the same kind of job in the trial portion, we think justice will be served,” Ken Anderson, the victim’s father, said.

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